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Cinnamon sugar dessert pizza transforms ordinary pizza dough into a spectacular sweet treat, combining the ease of pizza-making with the beloved flavors of cinnamon rolls. The buttery base layered with warm cinnamon sugar gets crowned with a crumbly streusel topping and drizzled with vanilla glaze, creating the perfect balance of soft, crunchy, and gooey textures in every slice.
I discovered this recipe when hosting a pizza-themed party where I wanted something sweet to finish the evening. What began as an experiment has become my most requested contribution to brunches and potlucks. There's something magical about the familiar pizza format reimagined as a sweet treat.
Essential Ingredients
Refrigerated pizza crust: Creates the perfect foundation without homemade dough. Unsalted butter: Provides richness for the cinnamon sugar. Cinnamon: The aromatic spice that gives signature warmth. Brown sugar: Adds depth to the streusel. Heavy cream: Creates perfect glaze consistency. Vanilla extract: Enhances all other flavors.
After making this countless times, I've discovered that fresh, high-quality cinnamon elevates this simple dessert to something special. If your cinnamon has been sitting for more than six months, consider refreshing it before making this recipe.
Preparation Method
- Perfect Pizza Base:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Stretch dough on greased pan, creating a rim. Spread softened butter over surface, leaving a border.
- Cinnamon Sugar Layer:
- Whisk sugar and cinnamon until uniform. Sprinkle evenly over buttered dough, pressing gently to adhere.
- Streusel Creation:
- Combine flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Distribute evenly over cinnamon sugar layer.
- Baking & Finishing:
- Bake 9-10 minutes until golden. Cool 10 minutes, then drizzle with vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla.
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My grandmother always insisted that cinnamon deserves to be measured with your heart. While I've provided standard measurements, I often add an extra dash during colder months when warm spice notes are particularly comforting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slightly warm for best experience. Cut into traditional slices or small squares. For breakfast, pair with fresh fruit and coffee. As dessert, add vanilla ice cream that melts into warm pizza. For presentation, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Creative Variations
For fall, add apple slices and nutmeg. Create spring version with lemon zest glaze and fresh berries. Make chocolate lover's version with mini chocolate chips. During holidays, add cranberries to streusel and orange zest to glaze.
Storage Success
Best enjoyed day of baking. Leftovers can be stored airtight at room temperature 2 days or refrigerated 4 days. Refresh slices in 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
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The magic lies in transforming familiar ingredients into something special without advanced skills. Perfect for family nights to holiday brunches, this dessert pizza delivers crowd-pleasing flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use homemade pizza dough?
- Absolutely! Any basic pizza dough recipe will work - just roll it to a 12-inch circle.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Keep at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for 2-3 days. Reheat gently to restore crispness.
- → Can I add other toppings?
- Try sprinkling with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or diced apples before baking.
- → What if I don't have heavy cream?
- Milk works for the glaze, just use slightly less to maintain thickness.
- → Can I make this ahead?
- Prep the streusel topping in advance, but assemble and bake just before serving.